Abstract: A carrier and method of manufacturing and using the same is provided for receiving supporting replenished tissue growing into a diseased or damaged area within a physiological system. The carrier can be implanted in the interface region between tissue having different mechanical properties to support the growth and regeneration of differing types of tissue within the region. The carrier includes bioerodible polymeric material having differing mechanical properties such as porosity, stiffness and compressibility.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially purified UDP-N-acetylglucosamine:.alpha.-6-D-mannoside .beta.-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GlcNAc T-V; EC 2.4.1.155) and antibodies which specifically bind GlcNAc T-V. The present invention also provides polynucleotide sequences and oligonucleotide probes capable of specifically hybridizing to nucleic acid sequences which encode GlcNAc T-V, and cDNA and genomic clones encoding GlcNAc T-V, as well as nucleotide sequences encoding GlcNAc T-V, as specifically exemplified by a GlcNAc T-V coding sequence from rat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a source of Group V and VI atoms, and in particular arsenic atoms, usable in MBE as a growth source or a doping source. The arsenic atoms are produced in two steps. In the first step, a sublimator vaporizes solid arsenic, producing a molecular beam of arsenic tetramers and/or dimers. The molecular beam source can optionally include a cracker to produce As.sub.2 from As.sub.4. In the second step, the molecular beam impinges on a surface of a heated element, termed an atomizer, producing an output beam containing atomic arsenic. The atomizer is at a temperature above about 1200K and a pressure below about 10.sup.-3 torr or at a temperature above about 1400K and a pressure below about 10.sup.-2 torr. For other Group V and VI elements, different atomizer temperatures and pressures are used.

Abstract: Fast response, high contrast Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal (FLC) electro-optic devices in which the FLC retains a helical director structure stable to unwinding are provided. In particular, high contrast distorted helix FLC electro-optic devices including half-wave plates in the visible wavelength region are provided. The FLC cells of this invention incorporate chiral FLCs which exhibit a ferroelectric phase and a chiral nematic phase at temperatures above the ferroelectric phase. The natural helix pitch of the FLC in the ferroelectric phase is sufficiently tighter than the thickness of the FLC layer such that it is not surface-stabilized. The chiral nematic phase has a natural helix pitch sufficiently greater than the cell thickness to facilitate alignment of the FLC in the device to achieve high contrast.

Abstract: Provide herein is a substantially pure gingipain-1 preparation, gingipain-1 being characterized as having an apparent molecular mass of 50 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and an apparent molecular mass of 44 kDa as estimated by gel filtration chromatography, said gingipain-1 having amidolytic and proteolytic activity for cleavage after arginine residues and having no amidolytic and/or proteolytic activity for cleavage after lysine residues, wherein the amidolytic and/or proteolytic activity is inhibited by cysteine protease group-specific inhibitors including iodoacetamide, iodoacetic acid, N-ethylmaleimide, leupeptin, antipain, trans-epoxysuccinyl-L-leucylamido-(4-guanidino)butane, TLCK, TPCK, p-aminobenzamidine, N-chlorosuccinamide, and chelating agents including EDTA and EGTA, wherein the amidolytic and/or proteolytic activity of said gingipain-1 is not sensitive to inhibition by human cystatin C, .alpha.2-macroglobulin, .alpha.

Abstract: This invention provides analog phase modulators comprising smetic liquid crystal cells wherein the layers are specifically not aligned perpendicular to the cell walls. The layers are either tilted with respect to the substrate or are in a chevron structure. Application of an analog electric field perpendicular to the cell walls bends the molecules in an analog fashion in a plane not parallel to the cell walls and thereby provides analog phase modulation of incident light. Analog phase modulation can not be directly provided by the surface-stabilized smectic liquid crystal cells known in the art, nor can analog tilting of SmC* liquid crystals be achieved. This invention further provides Fabry-Perot devices containing these analog phase modulators within the resonance cavity. The filter of this invention is optimally suited for wavelength-division multiplexing in photonic networks. It has high throughput, large tuning range, high resolution, and high modulation speed.

Abstract: A bentiromide test for evaluation of pancreatic function is provided which includes the steps of administering a stable, non-radioactive isotope of PABA along with the bentiromide and measuring the natural PABA and PABA isotope by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). In a preferred embodiment, xylose is also administered and measured in the sample by GC/MS.

Abstract: A plasma sequestration system having a volume control system is provided. When a calculated volume of whole blood has been processed, the system switches from a fill to an empty cycle. The termination point is calculated in advance, based on the desired composition of the collected plasma, thus improving process control and product uniformity. The system is automated or partially automated using an optical sensor or marker to monitor the volume of packed red blood cells. When the red cells reach the marker or sensor, a signal is sent to the control system which then calculates the required fill volume. Processing continues until the calculated fill volume is reached, at which time the system automatically stops the collection cycle. The system also provides for two speed operation of the centrifuge as a safeguard against foaming which may result in aerosol formation and blood trauma.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved urinary drainage device which simulates the normal, non-catheterized urethra. This novel design significantly reduces the risk of urinary tract infection typically associated with internal catheters by providing a double-lumen drainage duct with a collapsible inner tube and an evacuator-type collection receptacle. Like the non-catheterized urethra, the inner tube collapses after urination to expel residual urine.

Abstract: A simple and highly efficient method for cloning cDNAs from mammalian expression libraries based on transient expression in mammalian host cells has been discovered. Novel expression vectors allowing highly efficient construction of mammalian cDNA libraries are disclosed. The cloning method of the invention which has been used to clone genes for cell surface antigens of human lymphocytes, has general application in gene cloning. Cell surface antigens cloned according to the present invention have been purified, and the nucleotide and amino acid sequences determined. These antigens have diagnostic and therapeutic utility in immune-mediated infections in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: An arthroscopic cartilage evaluator for determining the Index of Structural Integrity of articular cartilage. This computer-based system measures deformation or reaction force of articular cartilage and processes that information for closed loop control of a testing tip and allows the measurement of stress relaxation behavior or creep behavior in vivo and in situ. This evaluator also allows the calculation of the tissue's material properties.

Abstract: A method and device for sampling biological fluids during collection without opening the functionally closed collection system, thereby compromising the sterility of the collected fluid. A sample bag connected to a fluid line or collection reservoir is filled coincident with fluid collection, then hermetically sealed and physically separated from the collection system using a radio frequency tubing sealer. A vacuum tube collection device is attached to the sample bag to minimize exposure to the fluid during sample handling and processing.

Abstract: An asphalt release agent and a method of applying the same, wherein said asphalt release agent comprises a fatty oil as the active ingredient together with a foaming agent, a crosslinked copolymer, an alkalinizing agent and a preservative. The release agent is preferably applied using a pneumatic pump to pump the release agent through an air-inducting nozzle.

Abstract: An improved nonpolluting method of dyeing fibers or fabric, including natural cellulose fibers such as cotton or linen, using indigo dye. The improved process preferably includes pretreating the fibers with a mordant solution, preferably a natural nonpolluting mordant solution. The fibers are then treated with a reduced indigo liquor in an inert atmosphere, preferably nitrogen. The indigo is then oxidized by flooding the dyed fabric with water. This indigo dye process can be adapted to conventional garment, package and piece dye processes and machinery, which has not been possible with existing indigo dye processes. The improved process results in a consistent and even dyed material which is color and washfast.

Abstract: The present invention provides inhibitors of kynureninase having the formula ##STR1## where X is CO or CHOH; R.sub.A and R.sub.B, independently of one another, are H, a halogen, a halovinyl group, or a small alkyl or haloalkyl group having one to three carbon atoms; A is a H or an acetyl group; R.sub.1 is H, NH.sub.2, NR.sub.6 R.sub.7, NO.sub.2, halogen, CF.sub.3 or a small alkyl group having from one to three carbon atoms, wherein: R.sub.6 and R.sub.7, independently of one another, are H, a formyl group or a small alkyl group having from one to three carbon atoms with the exception that only one of R.sub.6 or R.sub.7 can be a formyl group; R.sub.2 is OH, H, halogen, CF.sub.3 or a small alkyl group having from one to three carbon atoms; and R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5, independently of one another, are H, halogen, CF.sub.3, NO.sub.2, NH.sub.2, or small alkyl group having from one to three carbon atoms, and with the proviso that when X=CO, neither R.sub.A nor R.sub.B can be CF.sub.3.

Abstract: A hair styling implement 10, which is also sufficiently decorative for it to be worn in the hair after styling as an adornment, is in the form of an elongated, rectangular wire frame 11 of pliable material covered by a fabric 16 such as velour, through which extends a central, elongated opening 17 (FIG. 1). In use, a section of hair 18 is received through the opening and the implement is rolled under or over the hair until the hair is wound tightly about the implement at the scalp, opposite ends of the implement then being brought together and twisted together thereby to secure a bun in place.

Abstract: A biodegradable implant for placement in nonunion bone fractures as a substitute for bone graft material is provided which is a flat plate or disk having a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 15% of the length of the bone, interconnected micropores, and canals substantially equivalent in size and spacing to naturally-occurring Haversian canals. The implant may additionally comprise additives such as growth factors, including bone morphogenic protein. In a preferred embodiment the implant is formed from a biodegradable polymer such as a polylactic acid-polyglycolic acid copolymer by a gel casting technique followed by solvent extraction to precipitate the implant as a microporous solid.

Abstract: This invention provides smectic liquid crystal cells with lateral electrodes. The effective change in refractive index with field-induced tilting of the liquid crystal molecules is increased by providing an angle between the direction of propagation of light and the direction of the molecular directors at zero applied field. For homeotropically aligned liquid crystals this is accomplished by inclining the incident light beam at an oblique angle to the device surface. For tilted layer cells the liquid crystal layers are tilted and the light can impinge at normal incidence. This invention further provides Fabry-Perot filters utilizing lateral electrode liquid crystal cells.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of treating toxoplasmosis in a mammal by administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective dose of an alkyl derivative of qinghaosu. In another embodiment, this invention provides a method for inhibiting the growth of parasites of the suborder Eimeriorina, particularly members of the genus Toxoplasma, by administration of a growth inhibitory level of an alkyl derivative of ginghaosu.

Abstract: A rotating device for producing altered states of consciousness in a subject is provided. The subject's body rotates about a point in the center of the body support means at a speed between about 10 and about 60 revolutions per minute. In a preferred embodiment the direction of rotation is periodically reversed.